Few places let you experience the spirit of winter quite like Prague at Christmas. With its Gothic spires, cobblestone streets, and festive lights reflecting on the Vltava River, the city feels like it was built for this season. The Prague Christmas markets 2025 transform historic squares into glowing villages filled with warmth, music, and the comforting scent of roasted nuts and mulled wine.
Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or a longer Prague holiday, you’ll find that the markets are more than shopping, they’re a celebration of Czech culture, tradition, and joy.
When Do the Christmas Markets Start in Prague?
The Christmas markets in Prague traditionally open on Saturday, November 29, 2025, and run through January 6, 2026, including New Year’s Day. This extended schedule makes Prague one of the best destinations in Europe for travelers planning a December or early-January city break.
Opening hours usually run from 10 AM to 10 PM daily, with food stalls open later in the evening.
Best Christmas Markets in Prague
Each market in Prague has its own character, some grand and full of energy, others intimate and local. Together, they create a festive map worth exploring.
Old Town Square Christmas Market
The heart of Prague’s holiday season, this market sits beneath the city’s famous astronomical clock and the towering Church of Our Lady before Týn. Visitors can enjoy live choirs, a giant Christmas tree, and traditional Czech foods like trdelník (cinnamon-sugar pastry) and klobása (grilled sausage).
Wenceslas Square Market
A short walk from Old Town, Wenceslas Square blends shopping and celebration. Here you’ll find handmade gifts, festive lights, and warm drinks served in souvenir mugs. It’s the perfect stop for those enjoying Prague city breaks filled with both shopping and sightseeing.
Prague Castle Christmas Market
Set within the majestic castle complex, this market offers incredible views of the city below. Visitors can explore artisan stands, sip hot mead, and enjoy classical carols echoing through the courtyards. It’s one of the most atmospheric Christmas markets in Prague.
Náměstí Míru Christmas Market
Located in a local neighborhood, this smaller market is a favorite among Prague residents. It offers authentic crafts, fewer crowds, and a cozy community feel, perfect for those who want a quieter, more genuine experience.
What to Eat and Buy at Prague’s Christmas Markets
Czech cuisine shines in winter. Don’t miss svařák (hot mulled wine), goulash in bread bowls, potato pancakes, and honey cookies. For gifts, browse handmade ornaments, glass decorations from Bohemia, or embroidered textiles. Prices are generally affordable, making shopping part of the fun.
Where to Stay in Prague for Christmas Markets
Not sure where to stay in Prague for Christmas markets? The Old Town (Staré Město) and New Town (Nové Město) are the best choices, as you will wake up in the heart of the city. You’ll be within walking distance of Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, with cafés, tram stops, and attractions nearby.
For a quieter, more romantic stay, look to Mala Strana near the Charles Bridge. The cobbled lanes, candlelit restaurants, and views of the castle make it one of the best areas for a Prague Christmas holiday
Tips for Visiting Prague Christmas Markets
- Visit at dusk to see the city illuminated under thousands of twinkling lights.
- Use Czech koruna (CZK) for easier transactions; not all stalls accept cards.
- Take public transport, trams, and the metro connect every major market area.
- Go midweek to avoid weekend crowds.
- Dress warmly, December temperatures often dip below freezing.
Store Your Bags with Radical Storage
Arriving early or hopping between multiple markets? Store your luggage securely with Radical Storage. Locations near Prague Main Station, Old Town, and Charles Bridge make it easy to explore the festive streets hands-free.
Book your spot at Radical Storage Prague and make the most of your winter adventure.
FAQs About Prague Christmas Markets
They open on November 29, 2025, and run through January 6, 2026.
Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square, and Prague Castle are the most popular locations.
Not particularly, market food and souvenirs are affordable, and entrance is free.
Try trdelník, grilled sausages, and hot mulled wine for a true Czech flavor.
Absolutely. The lights, music, and architecture make it one of the best Christmas markets in Europe.
Final Thoughts
The Prague Christmas markets 2025 bring together everything travelers love about the season: old-world beauty, festive spirit, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re admiring the tree in Old Town Square or sipping wine near the castle walls, Christmas in Prague feels like stepping into a storybook.
Perfect for couples, families, or solo travelers, Prague in December is simply unforgettable, a shining highlight of European winter travel.